PERÚ TRAVEL AND TOURISM INFORMATION UPDATED 2018

INFORMATION AND TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF PERU UPDATED 2018

Perú

Perú of diverse geography and nature Various Perú ancestral heritage of an authentically Americanist culture that invites you to visit. It and to know Machu Picchu quen is the main destination of travel and tourism. Where the Incas forged an incredible civilization that learned how to take the geography of Perú. This ancient society lived in harmony with the rivers, the sun, the rain, the ocean, the jungle, the Peruvian mountains. The cold dryness of the Andes, consequently adapting to the weather, their surroundings and surviving thanks to Mother Earth's gifts. Part of this ancient society still lives today in each town and can be seen through the customs of the people. A trip to Perú takes you back in time and allows you to rediscover the exciting lives of the Incas, Chancas, Chachapoyas, Mochicas, and Wari, as well as their great works of art, their feasts, the roots of their social strength and the energy of their people. Experience Perú and discover a wealth of different worlds, all with their own individual landscapes, sounds, colors and tastes; travel back in time to ancient civilizations and share the great cultural heritage of the Peruvian people. Many destinations and experiences such as Peru’s coast and mountains can only be explained by seeing them in the flesh. The beating heart of its roots and destinations. Caral, the first civilization in the Americas; pre-hispanic cultures; the Inca Empire; the fusion between the Inca and hispanic worlds; Peru and its Western, East Asian and African influences; deserts, mountains, forests, the Amazon and the sea; flora, fauna and a wide variety of cultural expressions. Peru is all of this.

Origin of the Name Perú

The name of the country may be derived from Birú, the name of a local ruler who lived near the Bay of San Miguel, Panama, in the early 16th century. When his possessions were visited by Spanish explorers in 1522, they were the southernmost part of the New World yet known to Europeans. Thus, when Francisco Pizarro explored the regions farther south, they came to be designated Birú or Perú. An alternative history is provided by the contemporary writer Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, son of an Inca princess and a conquistador. He said the name Birú was that of a common Indian happened upon by the crew of a ship on an exploratory mission for governor Pedro Arias de Ávila, and went on to relate more instances of misunderstandings due to the lack of a common language. The Spanish Crown gave the name legal status with the 1529 Capitulación de Toledo, which designated the newly encountered Inca Empire as the province of Peru. Under Spanish rule, the country adopted the denomination Viceroyalty of Peru, which became Republic of Peru after independence.

Perú General data

Peru is located in the western part of South America.

Its official name is Republic of Peru. Its capital is the city of Lima. Its historical capital is the city of Cusco.

Geographic location and extension

Peru is located in the western part of South America. It borders on the north with Ecuador and Colombia, on the east with Brazil, on the southeast with Bolivia, on the south with Chile. Its territory is made up of diverse landscapes: the valleys, high plateaus and high peaks of the Andes mountain range unfold towards the desert coast to the west and the Amazon, to the east.

The extension of the Peruvian territory reaches 1,285,215.60 km². Peru is determined by the presence of the Cordillera de los Andes, which crosses the territory from the South to the North, forming three clearly differentiated areas: the Coast, the Sierra and the Selva. Also, three are the Hydrographic Basins that are in the Peruvian territory: the Pacific Hydrographic Basin (rivers that cross the coastal valleys), the Hydrographic Basin of the Amazon and the Lake Titicaca Hydrographic Basin. Borders 7073 km. Coastline 3080 km.

Perú Population

30,135,875 inhabitants (as of 06/30/2012).

Urban population: 72.3%

Rural population: 27.7%

Source: National Institute of Statistics

Perú Language

The official languages ​​are Spanish and, in the areas where they predominate, so are Quechua, Aymara and other aboriginal languages, according to the law: Castilian: 80.3%, Quechua: 16.2%, other languages: 3, 0% and foreign languages: 0.2%

Coín

The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S /.) Divided into 100 cents. It circulates in currencies of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, 1, 2 and 5 Nuevos Soles and in bills of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles.

Perú Official name

The official name of Perú is Republic of Peru. The allusion to the country requires the determined article the prefix to the proper name, or the contraction of preposition and article of the. Peru (and not "Peru" or "Peru") is an invariable historical denomination of the national territory and the nation, since its entry into the world cartography in 1529, and through the colonial and republican historical documentation.

Place names

There are several theories regarding the origin of the name. The most accepted refers to the name of Cacique Biru who reigned on the north coast of the South American Pacific when Francisco Pizarro arrived. The kingdom under his rule was then called Biru or Peru.

Capital

The capital of Peru is the city of Lima. Its historical capital is the city of Cusco.

IDH (2015) Growth 0.74011 (87th) - High

ISO Code 604 / PER / PE

Domain internet .pe

Radio prefix OAA-OCZ 4TA-4TZ

Country acronym for PE cars

Time zone UTC-5

Telephone prefix +51

Acronym for OB aircraft

Code of the IOC PER

Administrative divisions Peru

Administrative divisions Peru is divided into 25 regions and the province of Lima. Each region has an elected government composed of a president and council that serve four-year terms. These governments plan regional development, execute public investment projects, promote economic activities, and manage public property. The province of Lima is administered by a city council. The goal of devolving power to regional and municipal governments was among others to improve popular participation. played an important role in the decentralization process and still influence local politics.Regions, Amazonas, Ancash, Apurímac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huánuco, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima Región, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martín, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali.

Peruvian Identity, Inca Roots

The country of all races. Peru’s indigenous Andean origins—the Inca vision of the Cuatro Suyos (four corners)—clashed with the conquering and colonising spirit of the Spaniards. While the original outcome was submission to Western culture, the inevitable fusion of these civilisations forged a complex, new identity that is full of contradictions as a result of differing life principles and values. Circumstances added other elements to this mixture which made it even more complex: the spirit and values of the East, the joy and hardworking nature of Africa, as well as Italian, French, Japanese and German ways of life and customs. All these shaped Peruvian identity into what it is today: rich and diverse, with both Andean roots and a strong foreign influence.

Peru History

Beyond the sculpted stone walls of Machu Picchu, the astounding earthen temples of the Moche culture and the sacred pyramids of Caral, Peru's legacy is a long history of developing civilizations that began on the frigid high Andean plateaus more than ten millennia ago. The people who built the lost city of the Incas; the same ones who designed the most intricate roads and designed the most incredible hydraulic and agricultural engineering works, started out from cold caves at an altitude of more than four thousand meters. These hunter-gatherers were the first inhabitants of our country and have left countless traces of their way of life at sites such as Pikimachay (Ayacucho), Lauricocha (Huánuco) and Toquepala (Tacna), where researchers have unraveled the mystery of the birth of Peruvian civilization. These first inhabitants left their caves and shelters around seven thousand years ago to descend to the western Pacific valleys, and from there crossed the coastal hills and finally reached the sea. The llama and deer hunters quickly became fishermen and shellfish collectors and then began domesticating plants in the warm valleys that cut through the desert. Men such as the man from Nanchoc bear witness to this dramatic juncture for Peruvians, when they began to cultivate their first crops such as lima beans, corn, potatoes and cotton, allowing them to leave their nomadic life behind and settle in their first hamlets. a. Ancient civilizations Caral, now considered the oldest civilization in America, appeared over more than five thousand years ago in the Supe River Valley, north of the city of Lima. A contemporary of Egypt and Mesopotamia, this coastal dominion completely changed the course of Peru's history more than a decade ago and solidified our country as one of the world's most important cultural hubs, along with Mesoamerica, and the basins of the Nile, Euphrates and Indus. Caral is the culmination of an early cultural process called the Initial Period, whose main features are the absence of pottery (Preceramic) and the construction of tiered adobe temples, circular town squares and small villages around sacred and government centers. Notable archaeological sites such as Sechín, on the Áncash coast, and the Temple of the Crossed Hands of Kotosh, in Huánuco, belong to this period. About a thousand years later, Chavín emerged in the north-central Andes, in the state of Áncash. This new government spread its culture throughout a large portion of the country, as can be seen in the "Chavinoid" images and symbols at sites as far away as the southern coast and the Altiplano. Its main religious center was located in the Waqueqsa river valley, in the beautiful region of Conchucos, and is one of the country's greatest archaeological discoveries. Before Caral was discovered, Chavín was believed to be the first great Peruvian civilization. Around 700 B.C., another fascinating culture appeared on the coast, the first great desert people: the Paracas, who were adept weavers – their great tapestries of intricate designs are known around the world. They are known for their burial methods and for having performed successful skull operations, as is demonstrated by evidence discovered by Julio C. Tello in the 1940s. During the first centuries AD, and following the dominance of Chavín, various dominions appeared throughout the territory, including the Mochica, whose rule encompassed almost the entire northern coast of Peru. With its center in the Moche valley, at La Libertad, these people are known for their ceramic figurines, their delicate goldsmithing and their efficient use of water resources that allowed them to significantly expand their agricultural frontier and support a large population. What has been called the first regional empire appeared after this initial regional development; that of the Wari, around 550 AD. As a continuation of the Tiahuanaco culture, forged on the Peruvian and Bolivian Altiplano, the Wari ruled an extensive territory and established what would later become Tahuantinsuyo. It was this people that began tracing the great Pre-Hispanic roads and laying the foundations of the social and territorial governance that the Incas of Cusco would then inherit. The disappearance of the Wari, around 1200 AD, saw the beginning of the Late Intermediate period, a second wave of regional developments where several cultures, such as Ichma, holders of the powerful oracle of Pachacamac, stand out; the Chincha, great merchants of the sea who later became 'trading partners' of the Incas; and especially the Chimú, the great lords of the north, who took the place of the Mochica and the Lambayeque. Like their predecessors, the Chimú are noted for their exquisite pottery and complex irrigation systems. They were the ones who built the immense city of Chan Chan, the largest adobe construction in the world. This was also the era of the Chachapoyas, the 'men of the clouds,' lords of the lush cloud forests of Amazonas, where they built the most incredible cities and mausoleums, carved into the steepest cliff faces. As these cultures approached their zenith, a dominion of Quechua origin began to take shape in the valley of the Vilcanota River, in Cusco. They gained land using alliances and systems of reciprocity, in addition to force. After defeating the Chancas of Apurímac and Ayacucho, the Incas – as history tells it – built the largest empire in America. It covered the territory of six modern-day countries and united peoples from the most dissimilar backgrounds under one flag, thanks to strict social control and an efficient system of governance. Between the 12th and 15th centuries the Incas created what no one had ever imagined before: a great state connected by an efficient road network – the Qhapaq Ñan – which summarized millennia of wisdom. Rather than devastating the cultures they conquered, the Incas assimilated the ways of life of their subjects and used the best aspects of each society to build their amazing culture. b. The arrival of the Spanish The Inca culture confronted Hispanic culture with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. In 1532, the forces of Francisco Pizarro captured the Inca Atahualpa in Cajamarca, an event that marked the decline of the Inca Empire. In 1542 the Viceroyalty of Peru was created, which depended on the Spanish crown. The territory of the Viceroyalty comprised a large part of South America and remained under diverse forms of control by its authorities for almost 200 years. The viceroyalty was consolidated in the sixteenth century with the viceroy Francisco de Toledo, who established the basis of the colonial economy: a system for the control of indigenous labor (mita) for mining and craft production. The exploitation of mining wealth affected the colonized Peruvian Indians who saw their rights restricted and their culture oppressed. The reforms of the eighteenth century created great disagreement between many social sectors and successive rebellions broke out. The most important indigenous uprising was led by Tupac Amaru II, who was responsible for the start of the Creole movement that made Latin America independent in the 19th century. c. Independence In 1821, Peru was declared an independent country by Don Jose de San Martin and in 1824 Simón Bolívar culminated the liberation process with the wars of independence. As a republic in the process of formation, Peru had to face economic crises and military caudillismos during its first years, which made it difficult to establish a new national spirit between Indians and mestizos. In economic terms, guano, cotton and sugar all experienced a boom. Negro slavery ended in the mid-nineteenth century. The first waves of Chinese migrants, who arrived to work in agriculture, began at the same time. Civil governments appeared later with Manuel Pardo. By then, the guano boom, the product which had given the country its main income, had ended and the national economy entered a crisis situation. Around 1879 the country faced a war with Chile in which it was defeated. Amidst the bankruptcy, a new heyday of military governments ensued and the civilians returned. Thus began a period called the "Aristocratic Republic," which was based on an economy dominated by the landed elite. This saw the beginning of the rubber production boom in the jungle and the gap widened further between an elite, mostly from the capital, and the rest of the population in the interior of the country, who mainly lived off agriculture. During the 1970s, Peru was ruled by a military dictatorship led by General Juan Velasco. The military government nationalized oil, the media and reformed the agricultural foundations, whereby ownership of agricultural land changed radically. Democratic governments returned in the 1980s, but the country was plunged into a severe economic crisis with severe hyperinflation. At the same time, the emergence of two terrorist movements took on greater importance, violently shaking the country for twenty years. In the 1990s, Alberto Fujimori, after a self-coup in 1992, established a series of laws that initiated the end of these terrorist groups. The country rejoined the world economic system, from which it had retired in the previous decade due to its decision not to pay its external debt. Since 2000, Peru has had successive, clearly democratic governments, with Alejandro Toledo, Alan García, Ollanta Humala Tasso, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Martín Vizcarra Cornejo. The country is in the middle of a period of economic development, with growth rates never previously achieved and overcoming the crises of the past decades.

Perú Symbols

The symbols of the motherland are the flag of three vertical stripes with the colors red, white and red, the shield and the national anthem established by law.

Chorus We are free! May we always be so, may we always be so! And may the Sun renounce its light, its light, its light, Before we break the solemn vow which the homeland lifted up to the Eternal, Before we break the solemn vow which the homeland lifted up to the Eternal. Before we break the solemn vow which the homeland lifted up to the Eternal. 1 For a long time the oppressed Peruvian the ominous chain he dragged Condemned to a cruel servitude for a long time, for a long time for a long time he quietly moaned But as soon as the sacred cry Freedom! in its coasts was heard the slaves' indolence shakes the humiliated, the humiliated, the humiliated neck raised up, the humiliated neck raised up, neck raised up... Chorus 2 Now the roar of rough chains that we had heard for three centuries of horror from the free, at the sacred cry that the world heard astonished, ceased. Everywhere the inflamed San Martín "Freedom", "Freedom" he pronounced; and the Andes, rocking their base, announced it as well, in unison. 3 With its influx the peoples woke up, and like lighting ran the opinion; from the Isthmus to the Tierra del Fuego, and from Tierra del Fuego to the icy regions. Everyone vowed to break the link that Nature denied to both worlds, and break the sceptre that Spain had reclined, proudly, on both. 4 Lima fulfilled this solemn vow, and, severe, its anger showed by throwing out the powerless tyrant, who had been trying to extend his oppression. On its endeavor the shackles cracked, and the furrows that it had repaired in itself stirred up its hatred and vengeance, inherited from its Inca and Lord. 5 Countrymen, may we see it a slave no more. If for three centuries it moaned, humiliated, forever may we swear it'd be free, maintaining its own splendor. Our arms, until today unarmed, be they always readying the cannon, that some day the beaches of Iberia will feel the horror of its roar. 6 May we arouse the jealousy of Spain since it has a premonition, with want and furor, that in a contest of great nations our country will enter in comparison. On the list formed by these we shall fill the line first, ahead of the ambitious Iberian tyrant, who devastated all of America. VII (Present Official sung verse) On its summits may the Andes sustain the two-color flag or standard, may it announce to the centuries the effort that being free, that being free that being free gave us forever. Under its shadow may we live calmly and, at birth of the sun in its summits, may we all renew the great oath that we rendered, that we rendered that we rendered to the God of Jacob, that we rendered to the God of Jacob, the God of Jacob... Chorus

IF THE HEART SAYS YES, COME AND VISIT PERU

The traveler who arrives in Peru traces a route that allows him to get involved, discover, experiment. In the middle of these experiences, Peru invites you to discover yourself. That transformation is fostered by its people and its traditions.World Heritage To discover Peru is to enter 5 thousand years of living history. Our country is a sum of traditions, cultures, languages that unite Peruvians. As a solid bridge between the past and the present.

NATURE OF PERU

Because it has so many different ecosystems, Peru is home to a wider variety of plants and animals than most other countries on Earth. For many reasons, Peruvians have not had as much of an impact on their natural world as many other countries, and much of these ecosystems have been undisturbed. A 250-acre (100-hectare) plot of Peruvian rain forest is home to more than 6,000 kinds of plants! There are hundreds of species that are only found in the Amazon. To protect these plants and animals, Peru has created special forest areas called reserves. On the Pacific Coast, many interesting plant and animal species have adapted to the dry desert climate. And off the coast, the Peru Current nourishes huge numbers of small fish, which in turn support large populations of bigger fish and seabirds, including Humboldt penguins. Peru's mountains support special types of grasses and plants, which provide food for animals like llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. One plant that grows in the Andes, the puya raimondi, grows for a hundred years before blooming.

THE MAIN TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF PERU

1. Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Inca Trail It is the Archaeological Capital of America, is the largest tourist attraction in Peru and the most visited. Cuzco was the largest city and capital of the Inca Empire, although later it was conquered by Spaniards, due to this its architecture fuses the Inca style with Spanish. Its people still preserve their customs and traditions. Machu Picchu is the sacred city of the Incas that was discovered to western culture in 1911, it can be accessed through the Inca Trail. Both Cuzco and Machu Picchu, are considered a World Heritage Site. There you can visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Choquequirao and the Manu National Park among other places. 2. Puno and Lake Titicaca Puno is located on the heights of the Andes on the shores of Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world inhabited by the Uros). In the islands of Amantani and Taquile you can share life with your natives and do experiential tourism. It is the land of the legendary Aymara people and the Tiahuanaco Culture. Puno is the folkloric capital of Peru with its outstanding festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria that is celebrated in February. 3. Tambopata. Tambopata is located in the Amazon Rainforest, the Garden of Eden. The Tambopata National Reserve is located between the basins of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers, its biodiversity richness is incalculable. Here we can find the typical vegetation of the tropical regions, the best macaw collars of the world and jungle landscapes. 4. Nazca - Nazca Lines. Nazca is found in the sands of the desert. The Nazca Lines have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.You can also visit the archaeological complexes of Cahuachi, Estaquería, Chauchilla, Cantayoc and the geoglyphs of Palpa. 5. Paracas. Paracas is located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, it is an ecological destination where we can find the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands. In fact, it is shaping up as the second destination of nature on a national scale. On the other hand, it offers historical culture through the archaeological remains of the Paracas Culture. It also allows the practice of water sports such as windsurfing (Isla San Gallán), diving, deep sea fishing. Because it has arid deserts you can visit its dunes by buggies. 6. Arequipa and Colca Valley. The city of Arequipa known as the "White City", has a historic center considered Cultural Heritage of Humanity due to the architecture of colonial buildings in white ashlar, highlighting its mansions, churches, temples and monasteries such as Santa Catalina. On the other hand, it is surrounded by countryside. Also due to its proximity you can visit the Colca Valley and the Colca Canyon, the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca and the National Sanctuary of Lagunas de Mejía. In many of its natural areas is allowed the practice of adventure sports. It is an ideal destination to visit colonial monuments, live cultures and make outdoor tourism enjoying adventure, nature and biodiversity. Finally, Arequipa has some of the best cuisine in Peru. 7. Lima. Lima is Peru's capital. It has numerous colonial buildings declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. In Lima we can find the best museums in Peru, pre-Hispanic archaeological sites such as the Caral (Cultural Heritage of Humanity). On the other hand, Lima offers a wide variety of cultural, folklore shows, night entertainment centers, luxury casinos, gaming houses and Peruvian cuisine. In addition, south of Lima we can find beaches where surfing.

THE BEST TIME TO GO

The climate varies according to the region, from the tropical forest conditions in Iquitos to the arid and desert region of Nazca. Where there is a rainy season, it usually precipitates between December and April. The nights are cold from May to August in the highlands, including Cuzco and Machu Picchu. The capital, Lima, is warm and dry all year round. From December to May is the season with more visitors in Lima. From April to October is a popular time to visit the Colca Valley. August is the month with the most visitors in Arequipa. The Fiestas Patrias (July 28 and 29) are national celebrations that commemorate Peruvian independence.

IF THE HEART SAYS YES, COME AND VISIT PERU

The traveler who arrives in Peru traces a route that allows him to get involved, discover, experiment. In the middle of these experiences, Peru invites you to discover yourself. That transformation is fostered by its people and its traditions.World Heritage To discover Peru is to enter 5 thousand years of living history. Our country is a sum of traditions, cultures, languages that unite Peruvians. As a solid bridge between the past and the present.

There is an Adventurous Peru

Extreme Experiences Peru is multifaceted and its geography demonstrates this: a warm desert coast, an imposing mountain range and a lush jungle invite you to enjoy all kinds of extreme experiences, including hiking in the mountains, sandboarding on coastal dunes, canoeing down rivers or trekking the Inca Trail.

Unique Experiences

A single trip is not enough to discover all the wonders that Peru has to offer. Here we highlight just a few magical places and experiences that must be lived and appreciated when you visit this country.

Peru Trekking

A paradise for walkers To trek in Peru is to walk through beautiful Andean landscapes with stunning views of mountains and lagoons. One can journey along the Qhapaq Ñan, the network of ancient roads that connected the Inca Empire; experience the culture of the communities; hike along the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash in Áncash or find more than one route to Machu Picchu in Cuzco. Almost all the mountain ranges, including valleys, plains and hills, offer trekking routes with higher or lower degrees of difficulty. Only some of these trails have been 'discovered' as commercial trekking routes. The rest remain unexplored, awaiting lovers of these magical Andean paths, with their extraordinary network of pre-Hispanic paths and over 12,000 lagoons, with the deepest canyons on earth, glaciers and snowy peaks, forests and waterfalls, beautiful towns and, above all, the most hospitable people that one could imagine. There are roads that are so steep that they get lost in abysses that take your breath away; zigzagging trails that stretch across the mountains; long, flat tracks that seem that seem to lose themselves in the immensity of the desert; hidden and imperceptible paths in the dense vegetation of the Amazonian forests. Peru's trails are perfect for all levels of difficulty and experience.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

A 39-kilometre trekking and camping trail. The longest trail starts in Piscacucho (km 82) on the Machu Picchu railway. The trail crosses through different ecosystems, colossal archaeological sites and terrain rich in flora and fauna, before arriving at the Machu Picchu citadel. A track leads off from this trail to Salkantay (6,271 masl). To take part in this excursion, tourists must contact a specialised tourist agency or an official tour guide. General Information

Hang-gliding and paragliding Peru seen from the sky Flight has always been a dream of man. Paragliding and hang-gliding enabled the fulfilment of this old desire. Soaring through Peruvian skies and seeing the sea, mountains and valleys is a truly gratifying experience. It is also a different way to appreciate Peru's immense geography. Paragliding in Peru offers a series of settings with beautiful landscapes in Lima and the country. There are companies that specialize in giving visitors the experience of travelling through the skies, with instructors registered with the Peruvian Free Flight Association (Asociación Peruana de Vuelo Libre). Hang-gliding really took off around the world in the 1970s, when it became a universal pursuit. There are hundreds of fans of the sport in Peru, and, although it has lost ground to paragliding, it is a daring way of combining tourism and sports. The gliders currently used are 5 metres long when folded and 10 metres long when extended, weighing approximately 35 kilos. They are immensely strong, and advances in aerodynamic technology have made the gliders stable and manoeuvrable, with broad safety margins.

Hang-gliding and paragliding Urubamba Valley "Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, possesses a range of options in terms of adrenaline-charged tourism. Hang-gliding and paragliding together with highly qualified instructors is a hugely enjoyable activity. One of the most frequent services leaves the City at 8:00 am from Plaza de Armas, heading to Mirador de Calca. Flights last about 20 minute and provide panoramic views of the snow covered mountains and verdant valley. General Information Location: Cuzco Department. Urubamba Province. Climate: Warm and semi-warm. Average temperature: Maximum temperature 21 °C - 24 °C, minimum of 2 °C - 10 °C. Season: From April to October. Access by rail: 68 km from Cuzco; 75 km along the Chinchero - Urubamba road and 93 km by the Pisaq road.

Adventure Rafting

Rivers of passion Peru has more than a dozen rivers that cover its varied coastal, hill and jungle regions. Its five longest rivers cover more than 7,000 kilometres within the country's borders. The power of the water in some of these rivers allows makes rafting possible, a sport of pure adrenaline. Rapids are classified according to an international scale from I to VI, according to their difficulty. The best-known rivers for rafting are the Apurímac (Class II and V), the Cotahuasi (Class V) and the Tambopata (Class III and IV). Rafting arrived in Peru from Poland thanks to the adventurer Yurek Majcherczyk and his travelling companions who, after various attempts, managed to conquer the torrential Colca river and its 300 rapids in one of the deepest points of Arequipa. The sport uses inflatable boats or rafts, which are powered by oars and generally steered from the stern, carrying the raft and its crew along the turbulent waters of the rivers.

Rafting Apurímac River The river is included in the world rafting list due to its great depth and its rapids. It starts at approximately 2 700 m.a.s.l. (8 858 f.a.s.l.) at Cúnyac bridge, close to Mollepata (Anta), and descends through incredible landscapes and canyons with depths of over 3 000 meters (9 800 feet), finally concluding in the Cconoc hot springs, in Curahuasi (Apurímac). The river is located within the Salkatay mountain chain, one of the most beautiful in the world. General Information Location: Apurímac and Cusco departments. On the border of Anta (Cusco) and Abancay (Apurímac) provinces. Weather: Semi-dry and cold, rainy from December to March. Average temperature: 11 °C (52 °F). Season: From May to September. Access by air: Lima - Cusco (1 hour 15 minutes). Access by land: 73 km (45 miles) northeast from Abancay City (2 hours 30 minutes) by bus; driving along the Cusco - Abancay (Cunyac Bridge) road. Level: Grade II, III and IV Time: 3 days

Rafting Urubamba River Running through the Sacred Valley, this setting is one of the most travelled by rafting lovers. Various routes can be travelled: Calca - Urubamba and Huambutio - Pisac; Ollantaytambo. Between December and March. General Information Location: Cusco Department. Calca Province (2,850 masl). Cusipata, Quispicanchis Province (3,310 masl). Weather: Temperate to cold, with rains from December to March. Average temperature: 14 °C Season: From April to October. Access by land: Cusco - Písaq or Cuzco - Huambutio (33 km) in 45 minutes each. Cusco - Cusipata (81 km). Level: Calca - Urubamba and Huambutio - Pisac (Grades II and III); Ollantaytambo (Grades III and IV) Time: 2 days.

Sandboarding and Buggies

Challenge of the sands Sliding face-down on a board along the great sand dunes is the unique pleasure offered by sandboarding, an adventure sport that has spread to several departments in Peru. The sport began in Ica, before spreading to Nazca, in Cerro Blanco (2,078 masl), the highest dune in the world, which is just for experts. In many desert zones on the Peruvian coast, there are dunes in which sandboarding can be enjoyed, including Sarapampa (Lima), Camaná (Arequipa) and Acarí (Arequipa), with the second highest dune in the world (2,068 masl). Boarding styles have been almost entirely copied from snowboarding techniques and include slalom (zigzagging between poles), boarder cross (a competition across on obstacle course between 2 or more riders), slopestyle (tricks and movements using rails and ramps) and big air (massive leaps from a ramp). The equipment consists of a board (a sandboard) with handles for the feet, a helmet, elbow and knee guards and special fall-resistant sand goggles. Comfortable clothing and specialist advice is recommended, and many specialists are linked to the companies that rent out the boards or travel agencies that prioritize adventure sports.

Home > What-To-Do > Peru Of Adventure > Land-Adventures > Sandboarding-And-Buggies Sandboarding and Buggies Challenge of the sands Sliding face-down on a board along the great sand dunes is the unique pleasure offered by sandboarding, an adventure sport that has spread to several departments in Peru. The sport began in Ica, before spreading to Nazca, in Cerro Blanco (2,078 masl), the highest dune in the world, which is just for experts. In many desert zones on the Peruvian coast, there are dunes in which sandboarding can be enjoyed, including Sarapampa (Lima), Camaná (Arequipa) and Acarí (Arequipa), with the second highest dune in the world (2,068 masl). Boarding styles have been almost entirely copied from snowboarding techniques and include slalom (zigzagging between poles), boarder cross (a competition across on obstacle course between 2 or more riders), slopestyle (tricks and movements using rails and ramps) and big air (massive leaps from a ramp). The equipment consists of a board (a sandboard) with handles for the feet, a helmet, elbow and knee guards and special fall-resistant sand goggles. Comfortable clothing and specialist advice is recommended, and many specialists are linked to the companies that rent out the boards or travel agencies that prioritize adventure sports.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking Cycling along ancient routes Ancient Inca and pre-Inca roads, archaeological sites, picturesque towns and passages, and the opportunity to pass through several ecological areas in just a few hours are the attractions of riding a bike around Peru. There are places like Olleros (to the south of Lima) where there is a descent of 3,600 metres in just 70 kilometres of road. The activity known all around the world as mountain biking is the fastest growing adventure sport in the country. Thousands of mountain biking fans use lightweight bikes to cycle through ravines and along trails throughout the country. Almost every corner of Peru, with the exception of the coastal desert and the Amazonian plains, is suitable for mountain biking. Biking trails can be grouped into three main categories, defined by their difficulty and logistical requirements: (A) considered suitable for beginners, these trails include gentle slopes and compact, hard earth. (B) for cyclists with a certain level of experience, these trails include moderate slopes and contain a degree of risk for those that travel them. (C) for experts only, characterised by steep slopes and soft soil (these roads are highly risky and will often reach high altitudes).

Mountain Biking Cusco: Cusco and the Sacred Valley In Cusco, the various agencies specialising in adventure tourism have diverse tracks which lead from the city to nearby archaeological sites. Another very interesting track, leading through the circular paths of Moray, travels through Salineras de Maras before descending into the Urubamba Valley or Sacred Valley. A cycling adventure has also been designed through the Andahuaylillas area, later leading to the Sacred Valley and visiting each of its traditional towns. General Information Location: Cusco Department. Cuzco and Urubamba provinces (2 875 m.a.s.l.). Climate Semi-dry and cold. Average temperature: 18 °C Season: From April to November. Access by air: From Lima: 1 hour 15 minutes. By land: 2 hours 30 minutes. Level: Medium/High. Time: 4 days.

Nature Perú

Magical Biodiversity and Peruvian Natural Resources Peru is one of 10 mega-diverse countries of the world, with hundreds of endemic species of flora and fauna; a paradise for bird watching and orchid spotting, or the exploration of remote and mythical natural landscapes, some still pristine virgin lands teeming with life.

Unique Experience in Peru

Unique Experience A single trip is not enough to discover all the wonders of Peru. Here we highlight just a few magical places, such as the Manu National Park and Lake Titicaca, which are filled with experiences that must be lived and appreciated when you visit this country.

Protected Natural Areas

Manu National Park The National Park of Manu, a World Cultural Heritage Site, is one of the areas with greatest biodiversity on the planet. It is located in the departments of Cusco (Paucartambo province, Kosñipata district) and Madre de Dios (Manu province, Fitzcarrald and Manu districts), including the entire basin of the River Manu. Located in the south of Peru, in the eastern sector of the Andes mountain range and bordering the Amazon basin, it is the only park in Latin America to cover the full range of environments, from low, tropical jungle to cold, high grassland over 4,000 masl. The park was created on 29 May 1973, covers an area of 1,716,295.22 hectares and is one of the best destinations for nature tourism. The low basin of the River Manu is marked by the exuberance of the Amazon plain. Five zones are recommended for tourism, each with a high diversity of flora and fauna: Salvador, Otorongo, Juárez, Pakitza and Limonal. All offer navigable circuits through the lakes and swamps, where visitors can see seals and black caimans. One of the main attractions of the park are the clay licks, regularly visited by flocks of macaws as well as other species of fauna, who come here looking for food. The park contains some 221 species of mammal, including the otorongo (jaguar), black panther tapir, collared peccary, deer, capybara, spider monkey, etc. In terms of birds, highlights include the harpy eagle, jabiru, roseate spoonbill, jungle goose and the cock of the rock. Inside the park there is a metal tower 18 meters high and an elevated walkway with a platform that makes it easier to spot birds and to grasp the immensity of the forest from the treetops. For a spectacular view visitors can climb to the Tres Cruces lookout point and enjoy both the sunset and two contrasting landscapes: the Andes and the rainforest. The best time to go is between May and August when the sky is clear and it is possible to see the sun come up twice during the same dawn, due to a natural phenomenon. El Manu has one of the most renowned research centers in Amazonia: the biological station of Cocha Cashu. It also has an interpretation center at the guard post of Limonal. A large part of the park is indigenous territory: 30 peasant communities that live here speak Quechua as their first language and there are various native Amazonian tribes in the region, including the Matsiguenka, Amahuaca, Yine, Amarakaeri, Huashipaire and Nahua people. There are also other indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation. The cultural wealth of the area is demonstrated by the archaeological sites that have not yet been studied. Services inside the park: hostels, interpretation center, toilet facilities, park rangers and radio. Services outside the park: boat/launch hire, police station, medical station. General Information Activities: Observation of birds, flora, fauna and scenery, walking, camping, research studies, photography and filming. Weather: The lower zones enjoy an average temperature of 35º C during the day and 25º C at night. However, during the year the temperature can drop due to prolonged periods of heavy rain. At these times the maximum temperature during the day is 18º C and the minimum temperature is 10º C at night. The rainy season runs from January to March, but there is a chance of rain all the year round. The best time to visit is between April and December. Access by Land: 224 km from the city of Cusco via the Cusco-Paucartambo highway (10 hours 30 minutes in 4x4 vehicle) takes you to the town of Atalaya, and the journey continues by boat on the River Alto Madre de Dios to the Limonal Control Post, the entrance to the National Park (7 hours by boat). The route then follows along the River Manu into the park. It is also possible to fly to Boca Manu in a small plane from Cusco (40 minutes). Note: Authorizations to enter the National Park of Manu for tourism purposes are awarded to tour operators, who then offer a range of services and packages within the park. It is not possible to enter as an individual. Photography and filming is charged at 10% of the taxation unit. Entry fee: River Manu lower basin: S/. 150.00 Sector Acjanaco: S/. 10.00 (prices subject to change).

Titicaca National Reserve The National Reserve of Titicaca (RNT) is located on the continental waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, in the immediate vicinity of the provinces of Puno and Huancané in the department of Puno, at an average altitude of 3,810 masl. It covers 36,180 hectares. Wild flora and fauna from Lake Titicaca are preserved in the area. The reserve also contributes to the socio-economic development of the region and maintaining alive the traditional cultures of the people that inhabit the area. The communities of Uros and Uros Titino, which inhabit the islands on the vast lake, offer various hospitality options for tourists, providing an excellent opportunity to soak up the local culture. The reserve protects the lake's great biological diversity, whose most representative species are birds, including the Titicaca duck, and the famous giant Titicaca frog, known as kelli or huankele. The entire length of the Peruvian part of Lake Titicaca was recognized by the Ramsar Convention on January 20th 1997, and it is considered a wetland of international importance, especially as a habitat for aquatic birds. Of the almost 8,600 km2 ( 3320.5 square miles) of the lake, over half of it is in Peruvian territory. The lake itself has been divided into three areas: the Large or Chucuito Lake (with a maximum depth of 283 meters (928 feet)), the Smaller or Wiñaymarca Lake and the Puno bay. Its main tributaries are the Ramis, Huancané, Coata, Ilave and Suches rivers. Lake Titicaca is the source of the River Desaguadero, which acts as a natural frontier between Peru and Bolivia. The temperature of the water varies between 11° C and 14° C. The RNTC is located in two sectors at the same time: 1. Ramis sector with 7,030 hectares (2714 acres), in Huancané province, which includes a reed zone and a pelagic area on the right side of the Ramis and Huancané Rivers, and the Yaricoa and Sunuco Lagoons on the left side of the Huancané River. 2. Puno sector, constituting 29,150 hectares (11,255 acres), in Puno province, which covers various reed areas between Estévez Island and the Capachica peninsula. The floating islands of Los Uros, inhabited by descendents of the ethnic Uros people since ancient times, form one of the main attractions. The people living in the reserve provide lodging, activities such as traditional fishing, weaving and reed handicrafts, as well as excursions on traditional totora reed boats. On Amataní and Taquile Islands, the communities offer lodging and rural tourism activities. Suasi Island is a private space that promotes defense of the ecosystem. The best place for birders is the tourist area of Carata Mocco and Huili, where the Titicaca grebe (Rollandia microptera) can be seen in all its glory. The Yapura area is a good place for cultural tourism, in addition to the adventure and aquatic activities available on the floating reed islands of Titicaca. General Information Activities: Sightseeing, row boat and sailing trips through the reed islands, camping, picnics, photography, filming, observing plants and animals, hikes. Climate: Cold and semi-dry climate. The average temperature is 9 °C (48° F), with warm days that can reach temperatures higher than 20 °C (68° F) and cold nights that drop to 2 °C - 3 °C (35° - 37° F). The rainy season occurs from December to March. It is recommended that the reserve be visited between April and November. Access by Air: - Lima - Juliaca, direct flights (1 hour 40 minutes). - Lima - Juliaca, direct flights (1 hour 40 minutes); flights with a stopover in Cusco (2 hours 40 minutes). Access by Land: - Lima – Arequipa – Cabanillas – Juliaca – Puno 820 miles (21 hours). - Cusco – Juliaca – Puno: 242 miles (7 hours). - Arequipa – Santa Lucía – Cabanillas – Juliaca – Puno: 202 miles (6 hours). - Tacna – Candarave – Laraqueri – Puno: 258 miles (7 hours). Access by Train: 384 km (239 miles) from Cuzco to Puno (10 hours). Timetable: Monday-Wednesday-Friday-Saturday.

Paracas National Reserve

The Paracas National Park (RNP) is one of two Protected Natural Areas (ANP) that preserves samples representing Peru's coastal marine ecosystems. The Park contains land, a large part of the Paracas desert, islands and the sea. Besides protecting great biological diversity, the Park also contains various archaeological sites from the Paracas pre-Inca culture, which existed in large part of what is now the reserve. The RNP is located 250 km (155 miles) from Lima, and is easily accessible via the Panamericana Sur highway, between the Salas and Paracas districts, belonging to both Paracas and Ica provinces respectively, in Ica department. The Park stretches over 335,000 hectares (827,803 acres), 35% of which comprises dry land and islands, and 65% of which is sea. Tourists can camp in the Park by previous arrangement with the Site Managers. Pisco City and the Chaco, where tourists can spend the night and participate in other activities including a visit to the Ballestas Islands, are just a few kilometers from the Park. There are impressive rock formations, such as the Cathedral, which, while it was badly affected by the earthquake of August 2007, still offers a unique geological landscape. The natural beauty of the RNP is complemented by a good range of restaurants, and beaches, such as La Mina, Mendieta and Lagunillas, where visitors can camp and fish. El Chaco beach, at the entrance to the reserve, has both simple hostels and luxury 5-star hotels. The Park is also ideal for bird watchers, as well as for those who enjoy walks and adventures in natural settings. The reserve contains an Interpretation Center which provides information on biodiversity, ecosystems and protecting endangered species in the zone. General Information Activities: Fauna observation, bird watching, fishing, diving, kayaking, hiking, dune buggy rides and sand-boarding. Location: 250 km south of Lima. Weather: The monthly average temperature ranges between 15.5 Â°C (60° F) - 22 Â°C (72° F). There is no rainy season. Although the Park can be visited throughout the year, trips are recommended during January-April, the summer months. Access by Land: On the Panamericana Sur road, there are two entrances: - Take the turning at Km 231 to Pisco City and then continue on the Pisco - Punta Pejerrey road. - At the km 245 turning, take the Santa Cruz - Punta Pejerrey road. The time it takes to reach the Park from Lima is approximately 3 and a half hours.

Tambopata National Reserve

The reserve stretches over 247,690 hectares (612,055 acres) and is located in Madre de Dios department, Tambopata province. Without a doubt, the reserve is one of the best places to discover the Amazon, offering one of the highest levels of biological diversity in the world (632 species of birds, 169 mammals and 1,200 butterflies). Additionally, the reserve is surrounded by the Bahuaja Sonene National Park on the south side, making it an important conservation area in Peru. Sandoval Lake is the most visited attraction in the Park due to its closeness to Puerto Maldonado (only half an hour by boat). On the lake, which is home to macaws and a numerous river otter families, there are lodges for accommodation. There is also an observation tower for a panoramic view of the vast landscape. Another attraction is the rock formations found on the river banks. Hundreds of birds (macaws, falcons and parrots) gather on the rocks offering a spectacular sight of color and sound, particularly between 5:30 am and 9:00 am. Mammals such as wild pigs, peccary and tapirs can generally be seen at night on mountain or inland rock formations. One of these is the Colorado rock formation, the biggest in the entire Peruvian Amazon. Tambopata is the home of the Ese Eja, an ethnic group that has lived in the area since ancient times and knows every inch of the reserve. The Ese Eja are currently organized in three communities: Palma Real, Sonene and Infierno. The latter community works together with private companies to offer diverse activities and tourism services including lodging and guided tours, among others. The project has been considered a global success, thanks to the cooperation between the community and a private company to offer a beneficial eco-tourism product. General Information Activities: Observation of flora and fauna, bird watching, hiking, camping, butterfly spotting, photography and filming. Climate: The annual average temperature is 26 °C (79° F), fluctuating between 10 and 38 °C (50° and 100° F). The lower temperatures are caused by cold Arctic winds that blow over the Andes and enter the Amazon basin. The most intense cold winds occur during the months of June and July. The rainy season occurs between December and March. The best time to visit is from April to November. Access by Land: 4x4 Truck - Distance: 25 km (15 miles) from Puerto Maldonado to the Infierno community. Time: 2 hours 30 minutes. By foot - Distance: 18 km (11 miles) from the Infiernillo community to the reserve. Time: 4 hours. Access by Sea: Boat - Distance: 45 km (27 miles) from the Infiernillo community to the reserve. Time: 2 hours. Type of Entrance: Ticket previously displayed. Entrance Fees: Adult: 1 day: 30 soles; 2 - 4 days: 65 soles; 5 days: 100.00 Soles Services: Lodging, interpretation center, public restrooms, lifeguards and radio.

Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary

The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary (SMH) is Peru's most visited natural protected area. Declared a Natural and Cultural Heritage to Humanity, the sanctuary protects archaeological complexes, as well as ecosystems with a wide diversity of wild flora and fauna, some of which is considered to be endangered. The SHM is located in Machu Picchu district, Urubamba province, Cusco department. It stretches over an area of 32,592 hectares (80,537 acres), with impressive Inca archaeological complexes, sites and monuments with a high historical and cultural value. The main attraction is the universal jewel: Machu Picchu, connected with various archaeological sites through the Qhapaq Ñan network (known as the Inca Trail). There are six routes (four are long and two are short) currently available for hiking the Inca Trail, one of the most sought-after trekking experiences in South America. The SHM boasts exceptional geographical features, with micro-climates that are a source of great biological diversity, spread between the Andes and mountain ranges adjacent to the jungle. It runs from snowy peaks at heights of 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) above sea level to the wetter and warm area of the Urubamba River (which divides the sanctuary in two by forming the Torontoy canyon) under 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) above sea level. Visiting the Sanctuary is a voyage of discovery of the Inca civilization across the Andes and the Amazon. Visitors can discover the home of various species of wild fauna, including the spectacled bear, the Andean fox, viscachas, the cock-of-the-rock and the Andean condor, among others. Tourists can also make contact with flora, including the remarkable orchids with a total of 309 recorded species and an as many as 200 more yet to be discovered. In addition to the exceptional natural riches, there is the Machu Picchu archaeological complex, declared a Mixed World Heritage (natural and cultural) by UNESCO in 1983. Machu Picchu is one of the new 7 Wonders of the Modern World. General Information Activities: Hikes, trekking, flora and fauna observation, bird watching, orchid spotting, butterfly watching, hot springs, visits to archaeological sites. Climate: Dry and cold in the high Andean region and pleasant and wet in the jungle region. The temperature fluctuates between 12 and 24 °C (54° and 75° F) in the Machu Picchu citadel área. The rainy season is from October to March, although fog and scattered showers can occur at any time of the year. Access by Land: From Machu Picchu Town to the Machu Picchu citadel. Time: 25 minutes. Walking: distance 7 km. Access by Train: From Cusco to Machu Picchu Town. Time: 4 hours From Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu village. Time: 2 hours Important: Entrance tickets can be bought through travel agencies or over the internet here. To hike the Inca Trail, it is required to hire a travel agency or authorized guides. Tourists must use rubber-soled footwear when visiting the archaeological sites. Trekking canes must have a rubber end.

Valleys and Canyons

Colca Valley and Canyon It is located four hours away from Arequipa City. The road to the valley runs across the slopes of the Chachani volcano, the Salinas Aguada Blanca National Reserve and fields where alpacas and viscachas feed on ichu and yareta (shrub-like plants that are also used as fuel). The highest point of the valley is at 4,350 meters (14,271 feet) above sea level. The valley hosts the archaeological legacy of ancient inhabitants of the region named the Collagua people, including mysterious cave drawings and caves with containers for cereal storage. It is a perfect spot for camping and hiking. 40 km (25 miles) from Chivay, the first town on the road, there is a natural viewing spot from where tourists can watch the condors flying around the Coropuna and Ampato volcanoes. Also from this spot, tourists can view the canyon area with a depth of 4,160 meters (13,648 feet) at its lowest point, making it the deepest in Peru. Towns in the valley offer accommodation and traditional foods as well as beautiful handicrafts such as carpets, embroidered skirts and blouses with colorful designs, embossed tin decorations, candles and carved wood. Minimum visiting time: 2 days.

Peru's Canyons and Valleys Like veins running through the human body, the rivers born in the Andean mountain range cross the western slopes towards the coast and the eastern slopes towards the jungle, with waters that flow into the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, including the gigantic Amazon, which is born in Peru and ends in Brazil. Over millennia, these waterways have formed the Peruvian valleys and canyons that have shaped the landscape of this country. In some cases, the courses of these rivers have created landscapes with deep canyons formed by nature over centuries or waterfalls surrounded by rich and varied vegetation.

Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must for anyone who visits Cusco because of its picturesque towns, indigenous terracing, ancient archaeological sites from the Inca culture, vast fields of corn and beautiful weather. The terracing system is still in use and is combined with today's hydraulic engineering and systems to grow the best corn in Peru. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 16.5 miles northeast of Cusco along the banks of the Vilcanota River, whose name changes to the Urubamba River farther downstream. It stretches between the towns of Písac on one end and Ollantaytambo on the other. Just a one hour journey from the city of Cusco will take you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and its incredible archaeological sites, such as Ollantaytambo.

Sacsayhuamán

The name Sacsaywaman or Sacsaywamán is derived from two Quechua words: “Sacsay,” which means satiate and “wamán," which means hawk; together they mean “eat your fill, hawk.” This puzzling meaning is a reference to the fact that the birds were divine protectors of the Incas and the military battalions. It is located 1.25 miles from Cusco's square at an altitude of 12,140 feet above sea level, surrounded by the mountains Ausangate, Pachatusán and Sencca. It covers an area of twelve square miles, which hold incredible archaeological and architectural sites, including: Kolcampata, Qenqo Grande and Qenqo Chico, Laqo, Kusilluchayoq, Lanlakuyuq, Llaullipata, Chacan, Pukapukara and Tambomachay. It is believed that around 20,000 men worked to cut and transport gigantic stones from Huaqoto and Rumiqolqa and build this ceremonial Inca fortress. Sacsayhuamán is an architectural work with megalithic walls made of stones than can weigh from 99 to 138 tons. The stones are different sizes and some have more than one hundred angles, each fitted and joined to the other with no mortar of any kind.

Location 1.25 miles northwest of the city of Cusco Don't forget To visit, you will need either the General Tourist Ticket (S/. 130.00) or Single-Entry Tourist Ticket (S/.70.00)

The Qenko, or Kenko, archaeological complex lies approximately 2 miles from Cusco. This ceremonial center has a 20-foot-tall monolith at its center that is shaped like an animal, an enormous stone, a semicircular amphitheater and a group of rocks with mythical images hewn into them in praise of Mother Earth. Qenko is made up of two areas: the large area, located next to the road from Sacsayhuamán to Písac, and the small area a quarter of a mile father back, showing remains of high walls, a circular design and the same carefully cut stones. This sacred site occupies over 35,000 square feet and sits on what today is known as Socorro hill.

Location 2 miles northwest of the city of Cusco

Don't forget To visit, you will need either the General Tourist Ticket (S/. 130.00) or Single-Entry Tourist Ticket (S/.70.00)

4.5 miles northeast of Cusco stands Tambomachay. At 12,350 feet above sea level, the architecture of this Inca bath consists of a group of structures built with precisely cut stones. Water from nearby streams runs through the site in aqueducts and small cascades. Tambomachay was linked to the veneration of water, an important element in the Andean world view. For that reason, it has two aqueducts with artistic engravings in the rock that transport and supply a constant flow of clean water all year round. Its name, which means "place of rest," leads experts to believe the Inca came to this bath to rest. Today it is one of the best hiking routes because it offers tourists an adventure amid fascinating natural scenery.

Location 4.5 miles northwest of the city of Cusco

Don't forget To visit, you will need either the General Tourist Ticket (S/. 130.00) or Single-Entry Tourist Ticket (S/.70.00)

At 9680 feet above sea level and 20 miles from Cusco on a paved road lies the village of Písac, a picturesque place near important archaeological sites. The main square is a lively spot, full of color and with various handicrafts for sale. This town is known for its astronomical observatory. Its structures have huge walls erected with impressive blocks of polished and perfectly symmetrical stone, showing the complete mastery and architectural prowess of the Incas. The Pisaq route is the entrance to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The route passed through a beautiful cluster of archaeological sites called the "old town." These fortresses were constructed to guard the capital of the empire against attacks from the peoples of the Amazon. To reach it, you have to climb a hill where you can see magnificent terracing. Here you find walls similar to those of Korikancha, as well as towers, which are sun dials, or intihuatana. Apart from the old town, there is also the "modern town," where traditional mass is held in the Quechua language inside colonial-style churches. 13 miles east of Písac is Chayhuatiri, a hamlet of weavers who dye their clothes with native plants.

Location 20 miles northwest of the city of Cusco

Don't forget To visit, you will need either the General Tourist Ticket (S/. 130.00) or Single-Entry Tourist Ticket (S/.70.00)

The salt mines, or the famous "salt pools" of Maras are located in the rural community of Pichingoto. This site is highly recommended for photography lovers because of its impressive landscape that stretches out in all of its splendor. It is also perfect for hikers and mountain bikers, since this trail connects the salt mines with the villages of Tarabamba and Pichingoto. Highlights of this area include the Moray archaeological site, a sort of amphitheater formed of various circular terraces. Also worth visiting is the Sanctuary of Ttiobamaba, a colonial church built of adobe that houses paintings from Cusco such as The Last Supper.

Location 30 miles northeast of the city of Cusco

Don't forget the Maras Salt Mines have an entrance fee of S/.10.00 soles.

48.5 miles by paved road from Cusco is Ollantaytambo, a lovely village that preserves the designs of Inca buildings located at an altitude of 9160 feet in the province of Urubamba. Among this place's most impressive attractions are the ceremonial temple in worship of water and a fortress that guarded the entrance to the valley to repel any invasions. The temple has a set of terraces lying one atop the other which visitors scale via a steep stairway. The fortress is a stone colossus that was built between two mountains to protect the valley. The area also holds the Temple of Inti (the sun god), Inca Misana, the baths of the Ñustas (princesses), the Cachiccata funerary towers, and a group of tiered and very steep terraces on the side of a hill. Ollantaytambo also contains the mountain called Pinculluna or Tunupa, which holds the vestiges of Inca architectural structures which seem to have been a storehouse for various foodstuffs. Ollantaytambo is also a meeting place for nearby communities, such as the Huayruros de Willoc, who can be recognized by their red and black ponchos and hats.

Location

Don't forget To visit, you will need either the General Tourist Ticket (S/. 130.00) or Single-Entry Tourist Ticket (S/.70.00)

A village 19 miles from Cusco. Near the village stands the 18,140 foot Chicón, a glacier-capped mountain with a summit that offers sweeping views of the landscape, punctuated by the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota ranges. Chinchero means "brave man" and is unique for its Spanish buildings and its past as an important agricultural center during the Tahuantinsuyo (Inca Empire). The town's main square holds an enormous Inca wall and ten trapezoid-shaped alcoves in good condition that house the town's traditional market, where people still exchange goods by bartering. For adventure lovers, Chinchero is a perfect place for doing extreme sports such as hang-gliding or paragliding.

Location

Don't forget To visit, you will need either the General Tourist Ticket (S/. 130.00) or Single-Entry Tourist Ticket (S/.70.00)

Everywhere you look in Cusco you can see how advanced the Incas were in their agricultural techniques, such as the terracing system and irrigation using aqueducts. In Moray, for example, they used circular terraces that demonstrate the high level of culture the Inca civilization achieved. Moray is 4.5 miles from the town of Maras and 39 miles from Cusco. The main feature that impresses travelers is its system of circular agricultural terraces, which are up to 330 feet deep. They are build using retaining walls connected by an irrigation system. Moray can be considered a crop lab– they used the terraces to create micro-climates and grow various products.

Location 23.5 miles from the city of Cusco

Don't forget To visit, you will need either the General Tourist Ticket (S/. 130.00) or Single-Entry Tourist Ticket (S/.70.00)

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AUSANGATE TREK 7 DAYS Introducction: ausangate trek 7 days is an adventure that takes us around the apu who gives us all its beauty and shelter AUSANGATE Located over the oriental heart of the Andes, situated in the Cusco south, Ausangate…

Machu Picchu by Train His Machu Picchu by Train 2 days trip takes you a one of the most incredible train journeys in the world to reach a magnificent site : Machu Picchu!! This zigzag route upwards to the highest…

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu Cusco is a city full of wonderful destinations for adventurers and everyone who wants to disconnect from daily routine, disappear in and feel all the nature around you. The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is…

LARES VALLEY TREK INTRODUCTION This Lares Valley 4 day itinerary offers an outstanding combination of amazing mountain and valley scenery in a remote area, this trek is an excellent alternative for those who want to get off the ‘beaten track’…

AUSANGATE TREK Introducction: Ausangate Trek an adventure trek designed for a smoother and leisurely hike in the remote place of Ausangate. This trek takes us truly off the beaten path, from the most iconic snow-capped mountain in the Vilcanota Range,…

THE DEAD BULL PETROGLYPHS Dead Bull (Toro Muerto) Rock Carvings Hidden within this arid landscape are some of the greatest examples of cave art in the world. An estimated five thousand pieces of volcanic tuff depict animal, human and geometric…

SOUTH VALLEY The Southern Valley Tour takes you to an area of Cusco that few people visit. With visits to a mix of Colonial, Inca and Pre-Inca sites, the southern valley tour offers a snapshot in to over 800 years…

SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS VISITING PISAQ OLLANTAYTAMBO AND CHINCHERO A TOUR FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY KNOWING THE INCA’S SUPPORTS About the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it`s composed of mountains and valley connected by the Urubamba river between the…

ICA Ica city is the capital of department and province of same name. The department of Ica has 4 provinces, Ica, Pisco, Nazca, Chincha and Palpa. Ica city is located in the central coast, 406 meters above sea level (1,332…

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days is an excellent option for those who want to experience the beauty and wonder of reaching Machu Picchu on the Inca Rute, but have less time or…

MANU BIO STATION This This Amazon journey through the Manu Bio station. to Manu Wildlife Center is one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in the entire Amazon rainforest. Due to its ecological diversity, Manu boasts the highest recorded bird,…

MANU RAFTING manu rafting a mixture of adrenaline with nature in the manu river capital of the world’s biodiversity. National Park of Manu The Manu biosphere reserve is an extensive national park located in southeastern Peru, which encompasses Andean mountains,…

MANU BIRD WATCHING PROGRAM Manú stands at the top of the international birder’s agenda. Complex patterns of biogeography and topography across many different ecotones have blessed the country with some of the greatest diversity and density of birds on earth.…

Ica – Nazca – Paracas Ica – Nazca – Paracas a perfect combination of mystery adventure in the desert and nature with a glass of wine in 3 days Ica is a region known for having a great historical legacy…

PARACAS Paracas National Reserve Is a natural protected area that has for objective the conservation of the marine ecosystem and of the characteristic formations of a portion of tropical sub desert, protection of the cultural and historical patrimony of the…

NAZCA The Nazca Lines are located in the Nazca Desert, a high arid plateau that extends between the cities of Nazca and Palpa. Sobre vuele The Flights lines where the alien mummies were found live a unique experience CITY Nazca…

PARACAS Paracas National Reserve Is a natural protected area that has for objective the conservation of the marine ecosystem and of the characteristic formations of a portion of tropical sub desert, protection of the cultural and historical patrimony of the…

Paracas Ica Enjoy your 3 days in Paracas, the Oasis of Huacachina e ica, with a service that will make your visit entertaining and unforgettable. The first stop will be in the Ballestas Islands, to know its marine fauna and…

TITICACA LAKE Description: Titicaca Lake 2 days this tour includes lunch and dinner on the first day, breakfast, the second day and the lodges. TITICACA LAKE DATES Titicaca Lake is the largest freshwater lake in South America and This is…

SALKANTAY TO MACHU PICCHU INTRODUCTION: Salkantay to Machu Picchu 5 days and 4 nights is a alternative trek to Machu Picchu 5 days and 4 nights. A different way to reach Machu Picchu, by Inca tracks rarely taken! The wonderful…

INCA JUNGLE TO MACHU PICCHU 3 Days INTRODUCTION: This is Your option for the Inca Jungle tour to Machu Picchu 3 days. It is an alternative way to get to Machu Picchu and engage in an incredible multi activity tour…

INCA TRAIL TO MAUK’ALLAQTA INTRODUCTION: The new inca trail to Mauk’allaqta is the name we gave to this tour. Because it is a mixture of the ancient pre-Inca and Inca civilizations. Because in this experience you will be able to…

CITY TOUR CUSCO This fabulous half day City tour Cusco takes you around the most important sites of Cusco City. Including visits to: Cusco’s Cathedral It is the main temple of the city of Cuzco, in Peru and houses the headquarters…

SALKANTAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU INTRODUCTION: Salkantay Inca Trail to Machu Picchu the Path to Machu Picchu where you feel as the only one hiking through the Peruvian andean’s Is wonderful route which mixes the typical Andean landscapes .…

Apurímac River Rafting Enjoy Apurímac River Rafting this wonderful day full of adventures in one of the most impressive rivers of Peru. The Apurímac (god who speaks) Pure sport adventure in the Apurímac River Rafting tour description: The Apurímac flows northwest past Cusco…

Chuquicahuana Rafting Rafting on the Urubamba River better known as the Willka Mayu River or Sacred River. River rafting is done south of the city of Cusco in Chuquicahuana. Our excursion Chuquicahuana Rafting will permit our passengers to enjoy an…

MACHU PICCHU PACKAGE MACHU PICCHU is a very popular destination for visitors. The package of Machu Picchu Package in 5 days is a compact alternative to the city of Cusco. You can find the main archaeological sites that all visitors…

Sóndor – Pacucha Lagoon Sóndor – Pacucha Lagoon is a tour that combines the beauty of the mythical lagoon of Pacucha with the archaeological complex Sondor monument of the pre-Inca period of approximately 2000 years BC. The district of Pacucha is…

CITY TOUR LIMA In the city Tour Lima You can enjoy the city of Lima in its three periods: Pre-Hispanic, Colonial and Modern. The city Tour Lima new circuit turistic of the best of the city of the Virreyes. This city…

CLASIC INCA TRAIL + HUAYNA PICCHU The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (citadel) and in this opportunity but Huuayna Picchu (young mountain) is a particular walk in the world. The trail starts from kilometer 82 of the Cusco –…

SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU + HUAYNA PICCHU The New Tour SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU + HUAYNA PICCHU 3 days 2 night. A Trek that gives you the opportunity to visit the temple of the moon at Huayna…

INCA TRAIL TO HUCH’UY QOSQO DESCRIPTION INCA TRAIL TO HUCH’UY QOSQO a fantastic hike transcending the pass of the mountains of the sacred valley This complex HUCH’UY QOSQO is the most important archaeological center of Urubamba, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The…

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 5 days INTRODUCTION: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 nights, is rated among the best trekking trips for more prolonged in the Inca route without many people The royal Inca trail to Machu picchu…

Vinicunca It is curious to know that. Vinicunca,, like its many colors, is also called in many ways among the best known are: Vinicunca, Mountain of Seven Colors, Rainbow Mountain, Mountain of Colors, Hill of the Seven Colors, Cerro Colorado.…

COLLPA COLORADO SENA PERU BOLIVIA DAYS Collpa Colorado Sena Peru Bolivia Is located: in The department of Madre de Dios, in the Province of Tambopata, Peru and Bolivia. Tambopata dream place live nature. Biodiversity in Tambopata The lowland forests and tropical…

ECOLOGICAL MACAW LICK SANDOVAL LAKE tambopata dream place, live nature Biodiversity in Tambopata The lowland forests and tropical savannahs of Tambopata are some of the most biodiverse areas on the globe. Birds: 670 bird species have been identified, including the Harpy Eagle,…

MISTERIOUS SANDOVAL LAKE The origin Sandoval Lake is due to the strangulation of one of the meanders of the Madre de Dios River and located on the right margin of this 8 km from the city of Puerto Maldonado. To reach this…

EXPLORE MANU NATURE National Park of Manu is located in the provinces of Paucartambo district of Kosñipata) inCusco and Manu province districts of Fitzcarral in Madre de Dios. Its extension is 1716295.22 hectares. Its establishment seeks to protect a representative…

EXPLORE MANU NATURE VISIT THE MANU NATIONAL PARK AND HAVE A DIRECT CONTACT WITH NATURE, AND UNDERSTAND A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HOW THE GREEN UNIVERSE WAS CREATED National Park of Manu The Manu biosphere reserve is an extensive national park…

Manu Culture Zone Manu Culture Zone have brought to light the occurrence of roughly 3,000 plant species within the boundaries of the Manu National Park. Although this number greatly exceeds the total number of plants found In most European countries,…

COLCA CANYON TREK From Arequipa to the Colca Canyon The most popular mode of transport to the Colca Canyon is via an organised group or private tour. Our tours leave Arequipa early in the morning to make sure you make…

City tour Arequipa City tour Arequipa and Santa Catalina Monastery The city tour Arequipa, shows us the beauty of the landscape and architecture of Arequipa; besides the most outstanding viewpoints of the city. Visit the Main esquare, one of the…

MACHU PICCHU BY CAR Machu Picchu by Car borns as an alternative tour to Machu Picchu. devido to the abusive cost of the tickets and the bad service that train companies provide. which and the limited transportation to Machu Picchu, a…

Uros Island Taquile full day Uros Island Taquile full day, is excursion is the most popular; you will visit two of the most famous islands of Lake Titicaca. First we visit the Uros floating Islands and then we will move…